Introduction to Spiritual Direction

Summary

An Introduction to Spiritual Direction is a clear, nuanced and practical handbook for spiritual directors and directees that examines what it means to be spiritually whole and the process that gets us there. It is based in part on the two-year training course that the author conducts at Spiritual Direction Institute, the teachings of the depth psychologist, Carl Jung, and the Christian traditionalists, among them, St. Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross. It is further conjoined with sections on the qualities of the good director and directee, with fascinating forays into the nature of temperament and psychological type. The core of the book is devoted to its larger question, the actual growth and acquisition of spiritual wisdom, where the stages, pitfalls, remedies, rewards, as well as the importance of spiritual direction, especially during times of crises, are examined in numerous comprehensive sections. Dovetailed with chapter notes and questions, index, and extensive bibliography, An Introduction to Spiritual Direction deserves recognition by directors, directees, counselors, students and practitioners of psychology, and religious educators. It is a great starting point for spiritual exploration.

Table of Contents

Preface 1

Ch. 1 History of Spiritual Direction 3

Ch. 2 What and Why of Spiritual Direction 7

Ch. 3 Actual Process of Spiritual Direction 23

Ch. 4 Qualities of a Good Spiritual Director 38

Ch. 5 Qualities to Encourage in a Directee 46

Ch. 6 Six Steps of Our Journey of Faith 53

Ch. 7 Three Obstacles to Grace and Their Remedies 67

Ch. 8 How to Discern God’s Will 78

Ch. 9 Signs of Spiritual Progress 87

Ch. 10 Direction for Different Levels of Faith 98

Ch. 11 Four Steps of Individuation 124

Ch. 12 Spiritual Direction in Times of Crisis 139

Ch. 13 Spiritual Direction for the Different Temperaments 154

Ch. 14 Spiritual Direction for Contemplative Souls 171

Ch. 15 A Balanced Christianity 183

Ch. 16 Pitfalls in Spiritual Direction 196

Ch. 17 How to Deal with Extraordinary Spiritual Phenomena 202

Ch. 18 Facing Death and the Cross 208

Ch. 19 Facing the Future with Hope 214

Details

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Paulist Pr (November 2003)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0809141744

ISBN-13: 978-0809141746

Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 5.6 x 7.8 inches

Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

List Price: $18.95

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